Freemasonry has always had a strong link with charity, in fact it is one of the core principles upon which Freemasonry is founded. In the early years of Eldon Lodge's existence which date to a time before the welfare state came to pass, the lodge would donate directly to citizens of the Portishead area who fell on times of hardship. These days with greater regulation surrounding charitable gifts, the lodge supports local charitable organisations and it falls to the members of the lodge to decide which ones to make donations to during the year.

This year Eldon Lodge has elected to support YMCA Clevedon and and Springboard Opportunity which a local charity that provides care for children with disabilities.

In recent years, Eldon Lodge has supported local charities with donations to both the Jessie May Trust (http://www.jessiemay.org.uk) who do amazing work providing hospice care for children and the Children's Hospice South West. We do not fundraise externally to support our chosen charities, all funds are provided by the members of the lodge privately.

Looking wider than Eldon Lodge and the local area, Freemasonry is a major donor to charities across the country. Since 1981, Freemasonry has donated over £120 million to national charities and other than the National Lottery, donates more to charity annually than any other organisation in the UK.

The Masonic Charitable Foundation

The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is a charity established by Freemasons in the United Kingdom to provide support to those in need. The foundation is funded by the donations and contributions of Freemasons and their families, as well as through fundraising activities. The MCF supports a wide range of charitable causes including, but not limited to, helping vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families, providing support for older people and those with disabilities, and promoting medical research and education.

One of the main ways the MCF supports those in need is through its grant-giving program. The foundation provides financial assistance to a wide range of charitable organizations and causes that align with its mission and values. The MCF also has a special focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people, and families, and provides grants to organizations that provide services such as accommodation, education, and training, as well as support for those dealing with mental and physical health issues.

The MCF also has a strong focus on providing support for older people and those with disabilities. The foundation provides grants to organizations that provide care, support, and assistance to these individuals, as well as promoting research and education in these areas. Additionally, the MCF also supports medical research, particularly in areas that align with the needs of its beneficiaries such as cancer, dementia and mental health.

Further information can be found at: www.mcf.org.uk

Thank you for your interest in Masonic Charitable donations, more information is available on both the Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset's Website: www.somersetfreemasons.org and also on The United Grand Lodge of England's website: www.ugle.org.uk